NETWORK Rail representatives have agreed to present the case for electrificaion of the Lakes Line to the Department of Transport.

After meeting MP Tim Farron, the Cumbria Community Rail Partnership and representatives from Virgin Trains and Northern this week, Network Rail agreed to press for the long sought eletrification and also a passing loop to increase the line's capacity.

Mr Farron also raised the need for station improvements on both lines as well as much better accessibility at Staveley station.

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"We had a really positive meeting about how we improve services for passengers on the Lakes and Furness lines," said Mr Farron.

“Increasing the capacity of the Lakes line is so important given the Lake District’s place as a World Heritage Site and being the second biggest tourist destination in Britain.

“That’s why it’s an absolute outrage that out of the millions of people that visit our beautiful part of the world, only a few hundred a day can get there by train.

“If we’re serious about tackling the climate emergency, taking the traffic off our roads and boosting the Lake District economy then it’s crucial that we electrify the lines and increase capacity.”